Traveling-Wave RF Oscillator With Programmable Phase-Locked Shifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase shifters for radio frequency signals suffer from limited phase shift range, high losses, and variable signal amplitude, making them unsuitable for applications requiring programmable phase shifts over a wide range with constant amplitude.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a rotating traveling wave oscillator with programmable multiplexer and amplifier cells, allowing for phase-locking of radio frequency signals over the entire trigonometric circle with constant amplitude, achieved by injecting a reference signal at selectable amplifier cells along a conductive ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If passive phase shifters (switched-type, loaded-line, or reflection type) are used to phase-shift LO signals, then phase shift capability is achieved, but the phase shift range is limited, losses are high, and bandwidth is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter is divided into multiple discrete stages, each providing a specific phase shift increment (e.g., 22.5 degrees). By cascading these segmented stages, the system achieves a comprehensive phase shift range while maintaining controlled losses at each stage rather than requiring a single complex high-loss component.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase shifter uses dynamic switching between different transmission line lengths or capacitive loads to achieve phase shifts in discrete steps. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt phase shift values without mechanical movement, reducing losses compared to static passive approaches.
2Measurement precision
If active phase shifters (vector modulators) are used, then gain and high phase resolution are provided, but nonlinearities, high noise, and power consumption occur, and signal amplitude varies with phase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces active electronic modulation components with a passive transmission line-based phase shifting mechanism. By using switched transmission lines of different electrical lengths, the system achieves high phase resolution without the nonlinearities, noise, and amplitude variation inherent in active vector modulators.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase shift is achieved by changing the electrical length parameter of transmission lines rather than using active modulation. This parameter change approach maintains constant signal amplitude and avoids the harmful nonlinear effects and noise generated by active phase shifting components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cascaded stages are used to achieve wide phase shift range, then phase shift coverage is improved, but device complexity and losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each cascaded stage is designed as a universal module that can provide a standard phase shift increment. These identical or similar modules can be replicated and combined to achieve any desired phase shift range, simplifying design and reducing complexity compared to custom-designed multi-stage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses discrete phase shift steps (e.g., 22.5-degree increments) rather than continuous adjustment. This partial action approach achieves sufficient phase shift coverage for practical applications while reducing the number of required stages and overall system complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If reflection type phase shifters with variable loads are used, then phase shift capability is achieved, but bandwidth is limited due to coupler frequency dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter uses dynamic switching between discrete transmission line configurations rather than continuous variable load adjustment. This dynamic discrete approach maintains phase shift capability across a wider bandwidth by avoiding the frequency-dependent coupling issues inherent in reflection-type continuous adjustment systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient beamforming in both transmission and reception by providing phase-locked radio frequency signals with a wide range of programmable phase shifts and constant amplitude, reducing power consumption and phase noise.
Implementation Method 1
a traveling wave rotary oscillator comprising at least one conducting ring and a plurality of maintenance amplifying cells electrically connected to said at least one ring
Implementation Method 2
the oscillator generates a phase-locked oscillation signal relative to the reference signal when the reference signal is injected into the system's input port
Implementation Method 3
The phase difference between the oscillation signal and the reference signal is a function of the at least one amplifier cell to which the input port is electrically connected via the multiplexer device's programming
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of maintenance amplifying cells electrically connected to said at least one ring
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system (100) for generating a phase-locked radio frequency signal to a reference signal. Such a system comprises: - a traveling-wave rotary oscillator (110) including a conductive ring (112a, 112b) and a plurality of maintenance amplifier cells (111a, 111b, 111c, 111d, 111e, 111f, 111g, 111h) electrically connected to the ring; - a programmable multiplexer device (120) configured to electrically connect an input port (121) of the system to a selectable amplifier cell from among the cells of the plurality. The system is configured so that the oscillator generates the phase-locked radio frequency signal when the reference signal is injected into the system's input port. A phase difference between the radio frequency signal and the reference signal is a function of the amplifier cell to which the input port is electrically connected via the programming of the multiplexer device.